VOICE Newsletter

EBENEZER LUTHERAN CHURCH October 2015LAKE STEVENS, WASHINGTON Vol. 31, No. 10

Inside this issue:Education 2Preschool 2W.A.T.CH. 2Items for Kits 2 Events Page 3Ministries of Ebenezer 4Our October Birthdays 5The Prayer Corner 5Youth of Ebenezer News (Grades 6-12) 6Readings for Worship 7Senior Luncheon 7Special Thanks 7In the News 8

Special points of interest:•3rd Grade Bible Presentation ....2

•Mustard Seeds Monster Mash ..2

•Pastor’s Adult Forum ................2

•Preschool Picture Day ...............2

•Reformation Day Potluck ............3

•Norwegian Pancake Breakfast ..3

•Fall Work Party .........................3

•Flying Heritage Collection ............3

•New Members’ Class ...............4

•Youth of Ebenezer Activities ....6

•October Senior Luncheon .........7

From the Pastor’s DeskOver the last couple of weeks in Confirmation, we have been watching the movie, Luther, to see how this one man’s faith launched the greatest revolution of all and formed the foundation for the Small Catechism which we will be studying. As Lutherans we remember Luther’s revolution each year on Reformation Sunday. This year Reformation Sunday is October 25.

Reformation is a good time to look at our roots as Lutheran Christians. It was on October 31, 1517, the Eve of All Saints Day when many pilgrims were gathering in Wittenberg, Germany to view a collection of Christian relics and to receive indulgences for doing so, that a university professor named Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church (the official bulletin board of the university).

The 95 Theses were by no means intended as a call to reformation. They were simply the proposal of an earnest university professor to discuss the theology of indulgences (the church’s practice of selling forgiveness).

At the heart of Luther’s theology was his illuminating interpretation of Romans 1:17: “As it is written, the just shall live by faith.”

Council CornerHighlights of 09/08/15 Meeting

Treasurer’s Report:• Currently at 95 percent of budget income• Borrowed $1,300 for last month; YTD $7,650.• Average of $22,000/month needed to meet

2015 budget.

Pastor’s Report:• VBS was a success. Lutherwood has been

invited back for 2016 VBS. • The new office copier has been installed and

is running smoothly.

Ministry Action Reports:• Stewardship: October emphasis to “Catch

Up $$$.”• Calendar Planning Meeting September 22.• Memorial: Reviewing archives. Some Council

minutes are missing. Minutes are to be signed by the Secretary.

New Business:• Opinion survey regarding one or two services.

Luther saw that it is by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ that a person is justified (or made right before God), not their personal contributions to their own salvation. Christ is the only Savior. One does not save oneself. This rediscovery of the Doctrine of Justification became the clarion call of the reformation and continues today to be at the heart of our Lutheran preaching and teaching.

As we approach Reformation Sunday, my prayer for each of you is that this will be a time of renewal and growth in your faith and service to God.

See you in Church!Pastor Benson

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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONSPreschool through 5th grade Sunday School students are learning about:

• The visits God made to Abraham and Sarah and the promises he made them.

• Isaac’s blessings to his sons Jacob and Esau and how God blesses all of us.

• Moses’ call from God to help set the Israelites free from slavery.

• God helping the Israelites cross the Red Sea when they were being chased by Pharaoh’s army.

Middle School and High School students will continue with re:form DVDs, workbooks, and discussion in Room 16.

3RD GRADE BIBLE PRESENTATIONOn October 25, Reformation Sunday, Ebenezer will continue our tradition of giving

Bibles to the 3rd and 4th graders in our Sunday School. Please join us for the 8:30 service as Pastor presents the special Bibles from our Ebenezer congregation.

NEW TEAM MEMBERSWelcome our new team members: Kristin Sutton and Andi Holmes. They are teaching the ages 3-4 Preschool Sunday School class. We have a need for helpers and substitutes. High School students can help too! Interested? Please contact Virginia Dutcher, 360-568-6258. Thank you.

MUSTARD SEEDS MONSTER MASH OCTOBER 24 ~ 6 PMMARK YOUR CALENDAR! Bring your family and friends for our Fall Monster Mash! Look downstairs in October for the signup. Please bring a snack to share.

ADULT FORUMPastor Benson will continue leading the adult class on the Parables of Jesus. This class meets on Sundays at 9:40 am in the Fireside Room. Bring your cup of coffee for a time of fellowship and learning.

Education Preschool

PRESCHOOL ACTIVITIESFall has arrived, and our preschoolers are having fun creating beautiful artwork to hang up in their classrooms and the Preschool lobby and to take home.

The Bible lesson will be about Noah’s Ark, learning that God will take care of us in our times of need.

PICTURE DAY IS COMING!• Wednesday, October 7, from 9-11 am:

Pre-K AM • Friday, October 9, from 9 am-1 pm:

- 2-Day Class- Toddlers—both Tuesday and

Wednesday classes. Miss Lisa will give each toddler class a special time to come for pictures.

Individual and group pictures will be taken. If you have any questions, please ask your teachers.

CELEBRATE WITH A FIELD TRIPEach class will celebrate with a field trip to the Pumpkin Farm where they will adventure

through a barn maze, play area, and petting zoo, and will possibly see a pig race.

They will take a wagon ride to the harvest fields where each child will pick a pumpkin to take home. Check your class newsletter and bulletin board for special date and time.

PAJAMA PARTYAt the end of the month, preschoolers will have a pajama party. Kids are invited to wear pajamas and to bring their favorite bedtime buddy. This is sure to be a fun day!

W.A.T.CH.(Wednesdays At The CHurch) Classes continue in October at 6 pm:

• Confirmation (7th-8th grades): Students meet with Pastor Benson.

• Adults: Led by Dave Gross and Ken Cross discuss Five Minute devotions.

10TH YEAR OF WOW SERVICESWorship every Wednesday from 7:00-7:30 pm continues in October. If you haven’t experienced each of these weekday worship styles, you are in for a treat.

The worship style changes each week and is very different from our Sunday worship. These include:

• a quiet, contemplative Healing Prayer service for physical or heart healing

• Holden Evening Prayer service• Unfailing Light communion service• Festival of Hymns

Come to hear God’s Word and receive His blessings. Some weeks we will have

A few items are still needed for the Baby Care Kits and the School Backpacks we will put together on Sunday, October 18,in the Fellowship Hall:

(1) School Backpacks after first service (2) Baby Care Kits after second service

BABY CARE KITS - SIZES 6-24 MONTHSPlease look for new and gently used clothing (sizes 6-24 months—the new guideline for 2015) on sale and at garage sales: short- and long-sleeved gowns or sleepers without feet; short- and long-sleeved t-shirts (no onesies); hand towels (no washcloths); diaper pins; and gentle soap in original wrapping.

SCHOOL BACKPACKSPlease look for these items on sale: pens (black or blue but no gel ink), pencil sharpeners, blunt scissors, crayons, and notebooks.

Thanks for your generous support. Questions? Call Betty Bauer, 425-334-6332.

Items for Kits

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NORWEGIAN PANCAKE BREAKFASTOCTOBER 17 ~ 7:30-10:30 AM

Let’s meet for breakfast and enjoy those yummy pancakes! Come to this all-you-can-eat breakfast on the third Saturday of the month. The cost is $5; children under four are free.

FALL ALL-CHURCH WORK PARTYSATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 ~ 9 AM-3 PM

There will be tasks for everyone—inside and out—to help make our facility ready for winter. Can’t stay all day? Come when you can.

Lunch will be provided. In the event of rain, we’ll concentrate on indoor projects.

BAKE SALEDECEMBER 12 ~ 10 AM-3 PM

Have you started planning your Christmas parties/entertaining? Ebenezer’s famous bakers can help you with pies, cookies, cakes, fudge, Norwegian and Swedish breads, and dinner rolls. We’ll have Christmas craft items for last minute Christmas gifts and decorations for your home.

Bring friends and neighbors. Enjoy coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and sample delicious cookies while shopping for Christmas gifts and party treats.

Signup sheets will be in the Fellowship Hall if you can help with baked goods or crafts and if you would like to help the day of the sale. Please bring your baked goods and crafts to the church on Friday, December 11, from 9 am-4 pm or 6-8 pm or on Saturday morning from 9-10 am. Questions? Call Pat Jackson, 425-923-5113, or Betty Bauer, 425-334-6332.

FALL WOMEN’S GATHERINGSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

SAVE THE DATE! Ladies, you are invited to sign up on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. Invite your lady friends and neighbors. This is a potluck luncheon. All ladies are encouraged to join us for an afternoon of friendship and sharing.

If you have any questions, please call JoAnn Cross, 425-334-8540.

WHAT’S UP WITH FELLOWSHIP?

• Flying Heritage Collection in Everett ~ Saturday, October 3, leave the church at 10 am. Cost is $12 seniors, $14 adults, $14 military, $10 kids, and kids under 5 are free. Donations for van expenses will be appreciated. Check it out online. Questions? Call Ken Cross, 425-334-8540.

• Hike to Artist Ridge ~ Saturday, October 10, leave the church at 8 am. Weather permitting, we plan to look for early Fall colors at Artist Ridge. This is a hike identified as “good for creaky knees.” Contact Arden Olson, 360-568-3939, or Ken Cross, 425-334-8540, for details.

• Pinochle ~ Saturday, October 10, promptly at 5 pm. Bring a dinner snack to share while we play games of single deck, pass four cards, rotating partners during the night. Lots of fun and laughter. Let us know if you would like to play so we can have even tables. Questions? Call JoAnn Cross, 425-334-8540.

• Women’s Gathering Planning Meeting ~ Monday, October 12, at 7 pm. Bring your ideas and meet in the Fellowship Hall to plan this event for Saturday, November 7. Lots of help and ideas are needed. Questions? Call JoAnn Cross, 425-334-8540.

• Secret Sister in Christ. Remember to pray for your sister, send cards or leave notes (no gifts), and keep it anonymous. Questions? Please contact JoAnn Cross, 425-330-8919 or joann_cross@frontier.com.

Events PageREFORMATION DAY POTLUCK

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 ~ 11:30 AM

Fellowship declares a potluck is needed this Reformation Sunday to celebrate Martin Luther’s posting the 95 Theses almost 500 years ago.

The potluck will occur following the second service at approximately 11:30 am. Please bring a dish to share with everybody, and place it on the table set up in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is encouraged to attend. You always hear that Lutherans have the best potlucks—let’s prove it!

Directly following the potluck, participate in an afternoon of Wii games. We will have Wii game systems set up on the BIG screen for a bowling and golf event. Easy enough for ALL AGES to play, or stay and watch the excitement. Don’t miss this fun-filled afternoon of fellowship among your church friends and family.

FAIR TRADE SALES

Social Ministry is currently out of stock and will be ordering all new Fair Trade items the first of October.

Look for your favorite coffee, tea, and chocolate in the Fellowship Hall the first Sunday in November. Questions? Please contact Susan Shephard, 425-334-7517.

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSIONMONDAY, OCTOBER 5 ~ 6 PM

Come for a short discussion of September’s book, The Homecoming of Samuel Lake, by

Jenny Wingfield to see if this is a book you would like to read. All are welcome to attend, each month or whenever.

During October we will read Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue. Questions? Contact JoAnn Cross, 425-334-8540 or joann_cross@frontier.com.

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F.A.S.T. TEAM #2

The leaders of FAST Team #2 for October are Lon and Pam Shultz. The following members will be called to help:

OCTOBER

Boyns, BobCash, Randy & BethCaton, Gregg & RhondaFerguson, Doug & CandyHovland, MyronHurt, LindaLyon, BarbMarkwardt, SheldonMyntti, PattyOlson, Arden & Karen, Angelina, AnthonyOlson, Jim & MaryPeterson, Truman & PhyllisPoremba, NancyShultz, Lon & Pam, GrantSutton, Scott & Kristin, Brigitta, Berit, Boden

FAST TEAM #1

Thank you, FAST Team #1 and leaders Ken and JoAnn Cross, for making our worship life enriching, fulfilling, and especially meaningful during September.

FAST TEAM #3 MEETING

The members of FAST Team #3 and leaders, Michael and Susan Shephard, will help with Sunday morning duties in November. Watch for a mailing in October from your team leaders for the date of your meeting.

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Modern Christians often think of the Holy Spirit as only New Testament, but in truth there are hundreds of references in the Old Testament. Why do we suddenly see it as new?

FACEBOOK

Keep up to date on events/news. Questions?

Want something posted? Contact Kristin Sutton: kristinbethsutton@hotmail.com.

Ministries of EbenezerPASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY

Pastor Benson’s Thursday morning Bible study begins at 10 am

on Thursdays. Join him in the Fireside Room to dig deeper into scripture lessons that will be read the following Sunday.

NEW MEMBERS’ CLASSSTARTING SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25

Pastor Benson will be conducting classes for new members in his office from 9:40-10:20 am. Interested? Please talk to Pastor Benson after worship services or call the church office, 425-334-0421.

MAR-CILLA CIRCLETUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 ~ 11:30 AM

The ladies of Mar-Cilla Circle enjoy fellowship, a delightful lunch, and a Bible study. They will continue their study Meeting Jesus. All ladies are invited!

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY AT STEPP’S MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 ~ 6:30 PM

All women are invited to this Bible study at Janice Stepp’s home: 11306 - 25th Street NE, Lake Stevens. Come for fun, fellowship, and sharing. The study is from the Gather magazine. All you’ll need is a Bible, but a subscription to Gather would also be helpful because the Bible studies are copyrighted and may not be reproduced. Questions? Call 425-334-5443.

COMMUNITY SUPPER NEEDS

We are collecting canned peaches, pears, fruit cocktail, and applesauce. If you are able to donate, please leave items in the baskets under the Community Supper signups in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you for the donations. “Like” us at Lake Stevens Community Supper. For more info contact supper@ebenezerlakestevens.org.

BECAUSE OF GOD’S GREAT MERCY

In I Peter we read, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people.”

God’s mercy comes to us in our Lord, Jesus Christ. God’s mercy also comes to us in many other ways. Among these are the material possessions we enjoy. They are gifts from God, but more than this, they are entrusted to us by God. The Bible teaches us that all we have in this life comes from God: Our time, our talents, and our money and possessions all come from God and in a very real sense still belong to God. In this life we are stewards, caretakers, managers of God’s incredible bounty.

Through Jesus we are “God’s own people.” God has entrusted into our care all that we “have.” This good news is the beginning of our understanding that we are stewards. It is also the starting point of our thinking about giving.

If you are behind in your planned giving and are able or, otherwise, are still able to help, please help us catch up financially with our expenses. Like most summers, our income did not match expenses this year.

FELLOWSHIP NEEDS ~ OCTOBER

Paper plates (large and small), powdered coffee creamer, and rolls of paper towels are being collected for fellowship activities and meetings. Mark your donations “Fellowship” and leave them in the kitchen. Thanks to all who provide these supplies.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY EVENTS/INFO

Contact Janice Stepp, 425-334-5443, check the Fellowship Hall bulletin board, or go to www.womenoftheelca.org:

• Region 1 Gathering is June 24-26, 2016. For info go to lutheransnw.org.

• Resource: The Echo. Subscribe at lutheransnw.org/.

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If you have an urgent need, call Alice Werner, 425-334-6845, or Margaret Ren, 425-334-3843, the prayer chain leaders who will contact members of the prayer chain to begin praying. We encourage all members to pray regularly for the following members:

Members of the Congregation:Bob Boyns - medical issuesTyler Caulfield - life’s issuesJodie Crumby - health concerns/seizuresBill DiMonda - medical issuesMichael Hamel - diabetic painEmma Honcoop (Shaya Honcoop’s daughter)Martha Konkler - recovering from surgeryJan Lundquist - recovering from surgeryMarilyn Peterson - back pain

Homebound or Special Care Residents:Waleene Gardner Eileen Bruins

Extended Family with Needs:Martha & John Andrade (Carolyn Lund’s

sister & brother-in-law) - medical issuesBetty Berger (Pat Jackson’s cousin) - cancerKeith & LaVerne Birk (Janine DiMonda’s

father & mother) - medical issuesPat Coleman (P. Peterson’s friend) - cancerCandy Coomes (Karla Beers’ friend) - leukemiaJuli England (Cindy Rhodes’ friend) - cancerKeith Fowler (Erlene Cooper’s friend) - cancerKayla Gay (Helen J. Hendrickson’s niece)Tom Goetz (Kay Caulfield’s friend) - cancer

Our October Birthdays

Birth Date Name (month/day)

Cowles, Roseanne 10/1Gust, Isaac 10/1Olson, Karen 10/1Ring, Bill 10/4Holm, Donna 10/5Jackson, Pat 10/6Smith-Munoz, Uilani 10/7Hoffmann, Don 10/8Anderson, Carol 10/9Olson, Jim 10/9

The Prayer Corner

Birth Date Name (month/day)

Hendrickson, Sheldon 10/11Parzyk, Matthew 10/15 Holmes, Andi 10/16Peterson, Phyllis 10/16Otusanya, Kemi 10/21Major, Chad 10/22Parzyk, Roy 10/22Nicholson, Nora 10/22Konkler, Martha 10/23Shephard, Michael 10/24

Blake Gregory (V. Dutcher’s brother-in-law) Leah Hammersmark (Kathy Eliason’s niece)

- Lou Gehrig’s DiseaseRex Harris (Cindy Rhodes’ friend) - cancerJim Hensen (Karla Beers’ friend) - cancerMichael Holzwarth (Uilana Smith-Muñoz’s

friend) - healingDave Hopps (K. & F. Clapper’s brother-in-law)Dee Hopps (Fran Clapper’s sister) - heartFred Hostetler (Pat Jackson’s cousin) -

recently hospitalizedRichard Knudson (Betty Brown’s friend) -

heart attackBrandy & Brenna Krug (Darra Large’s friends)Sandy Lange (Janice Stepp’s friend) - chemoWayne Marks (Sandy Marks’ son) - strokesCamden McAlpine (W. Staffenhagen’s friend)Buzzy McGee (Kathy Huber’s brother)Melissa McGee (Kathy Huber’s niece) Winnie McGee (Kathy Huber’s mother)Jimmie Muñoz Sr. (Mareña & Mario

Muñoz’s grandfather) - heart arrhythmiaJuanita Nicastro (P. Durden’s sister) - cancerKathy Ostlund (friend of Ebenezer) - cancerLisa Pearson (Ken Cross’s niece) - hospiceCharlotte Peterson (Pat Jackson’s friend) Todd Power (T. Bookey’s brother-in-law) - cancerMark Rice (Alice Werner’s nephew)Jeanne Robinson (C. Rhodes’ friend) - cancerBobbi Schneidewend (Betty Bauer’s cousin)Chris Schollenburger (Alice Werner’s

friend) - severely burnedLaura Signorello (Debbie May’s stepsister)Martha Stuart (Lia Stuart’s mother-in-law)Brianna Walker (Matt Kimball’s friend) Caleb Ward (Kay Caulfield’s cousin) - leukemiaMeggi Ward (Susan Shephard’s friend)Cale Werner (Alice Werner’s grandson)

For All Our Military and Their Families:Arie McSherry, David Peterson, Ethan Stuart,

and Kole Sylte; Afghanistan: Josh Main & Chuck Morris; Japan: Sid Hendrickson Jr.; Okinawa: Scott & Selena Viboch

For Those Who Grieve:Backstrom Family - Jeanette Backstrom’s aunt

Jean Mills passed awayBackstrom Family - Jeanette Backstrom’s

cousin Greg Mills passed awayBrandstetter Family - Gale Brandstetter’s

mother Henrietta Mack passed awayClapper Family - Kirk & Fran Clapper’s friend,

Kay Erickson, passed awayClapper Family - Kirk & Fran Clapper’s friend,

Louise Northway, passed awayJackson Family - Pat Jackson’s friend,

Robert Strieling, passed awayRen Family - Margaret Ren’s brother-in-law

Clayton Staum passed awaySmith-Muñoz & Hanson Families - Uilani

Smith-Muñoz’s friend, Sherry Hanson, passed away

Birth Date Name (month/day)

Bauer, Betty 10/25Fallon, Annie 10/25Turcotte, Lee 10/26Welch, Jonell 10/27Lundquist, Jan 10/28Staffenhagen, Tom 10/28Stewart, Karen 10/28Kuehl, Wayne 10/29Turner, Kathy 10/30Rhodes, Cindy 10/31

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AGAPE* CONCERTFOR ELCA WORLD HUNGER

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 ~ 3 PM

Join us for the Rise Up Together concert to raise funds for ELCA World Hunger. The concert featuring Rachel Kurtz and Joe Davis will be at Trinity Lutheran College, Everett.

During this powerful music event, concert goers will learn about the reconciliation of Christ and how we are called to Rise Up Together.

There will be music, poetry, storytelling, and conversation. This will also be a wonderful opportunity for youth groups to reconnect and to rekindle the fire that was stoked at the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering.

NORWEGIAN PANCAKE BREAKFASTSATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

We always have a great time helping with this community event. Don’t miss out on this time of service and a

chance to help our youth group. Please sign up on the Youth Board.

LET JUSTICE ROLLSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 ~ 9 AM-5 PM

This will be a justice advocacy and awareness event for high school youth. Check the Youth

Board for registration details. Let Justice Roll, an annual peace and justice youth event, encourages high school youth to engage in issues of social, environmental, and economic justice to learn about God’s call to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). Participants are encouraged and challenged to become agents of positive change with a biblical and Christ-centered approach. The 2015 theme is Creation Care: Saving the Planet and Our Souls. We will explore the urgent need in the face of climate change to be better stewards of our earth home.

The program will begin with worship in the Brammer Chapel at Trinity Lutheran College and then take participants on a day-long series of field experiences visiting with organizations committed to caring for creation. Lunch will be provided, and the day will conclude with an outdoor celebration at the college’s Rooftop Garden.

Youth of Ebenezer News (Grades 6-12)Date Time Place Event

October 17 7:30-10:30 am Fellowship Hall Norwegian Pancake Breakfast October 18 11:45 am Youth Room EYC Meeting: Youth CommitteeOctober 30 5:30-8:30 pm Youth Room Popcorn & PumpkinsNovember 7 9:00 am-5:00 pm Trinity Lutheran College Let Justice RollNovember 15 3:00 pm Trinity Lutheran College Rise Up Together Concert

EYC MEETINGSUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 ~ 11:45 AM

IN THE YOUTH ROOM

If you are in 6th-12th grades, you can join the Youth Committee. Parents are also welcome. Talk to the contacts above to find out what we do. We really want your input!

UPCOMING EVENTS!

Parents, youth, and friends of the Youth Program, events can only be scheduled if there is interest from the youth and

a planner to coordinate the event.

Flyers with the dates of retreats and events at Lutherwood, Warm Beach, and others will be posted on the Youth Board. If you would like to organize any of these events, please see the youth contacts above—anytime. We can and will help!

The Youth Committee would like our youth to join other youth groups for Synod events. Flyers will be posted on the Youth Board with a signup sheet, deadline, and the cost for each youth after EYC pays their portion.

Youth Contacts: Virginia Dutcher & Ray Delgado

ebenyouth@frontier.com

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October 4 (Communion)

1st Lesson: Genesis 2:18-24

Psalm: Psalm 8

2nd Lesson: Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12

Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

October 11

1st Lesson: Amos 5:6-7, 10-15

Psalm: Psalm 90:12-17

2nd Lesson: Hebrews 4:12-16

Gospel: Mark 10:17-31

October 4 8:30 & 10:30 amOctober 7 WOW Service - 7:00 pm October 11 8:30 & 10:30 amOctober 14 WOW Service - 7:00 pmOctober 18 8:30 & 10:30 am October 21 WOW Service - 7:00 pmOctober 25 8:30 & 10:30 amOctober 28 WOW Service - 7:00 pm

October 18

1st Lesson: Isaiah 53:4-12

Psalm: Psalm 91:9-16

2nd Lesson: Hebrews 5:1-10

Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

October 25 (Communion)

1st Lesson: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Psalm: Psalm 46

2nd Lesson: Romans 3:19-28

Gospel: John 8:31-36

Readings for Worship

Church Office HoursMonday Office ClosedTuesday 9:00-12:30 & 1:30-5:00Wednesday 9:00-12:30 & 1:30-4:00Thursday 9:00-12:30 & 1:30-4:00Friday 9:00-12:30 & 1:30-4:00

Senior LuncheonOctoberSeniorLuncheonTheme: GO

Hawks!Program: Talented Ed PearsonDate: Thursday, October 1Time: Doors open at 11:30 am for coffee,

tea, and punch; meal is served at noonMain Dish: Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Please bring a side dish to share and your friends. Wear Seahawks colors or clothing for this fun time of good food and fellowship.

Volunteers are always welcome. Questions? Call Lynn Moller, 425-210-8083.

Special ThanksRecovering WellThank you for your prayers and the caring cards you sent me and for Pastor’s visits during my recent surgery. I am recovering well and looking forward to being back to myself in a couple months. –Betty Bauer

God Sends the RainI am thankful for everyone’s prayers. My daughter Dawn Gronlund asked for prayer because her farm in Eastern Washington was threatened on two sides by the Carleton Road wildfire. After we prayed a storm came through dropping 2 inches of rain. It was still burning but greatly reduced in size. Less than a week later another storm dropped approximately 4 inches of rain. Dawn reported that the fires were out and the air was clear so she no longer had to wear a mask. Praise God for answered prayers. –Crystal Johanson

He Came Home!Don came home from the hospital and rehab on Saturday, the 5th. We want to

thank everyone for their prayers and cards especially Pastor Benson for his visits and comforting words. Thanks again. –Don & Betty Brown

Loving & CaringThank you for all your well wishes, cards, and visits. I have felt your prayers, and it has meant a great deal to me. It is a blessing and a privilege to belong to such a loving and caring congregation. –Jan Lundquist

We Are Thankful for All Our TeachersWhat is a teacher, if not a sower of seed and a cultivator of young gardens? What is a teacher, if not a shaper of souls and a guide who gently shows the right path for the journey? What is a teacher, if not the most hopeful of dreamers, who plants and nurtures and sees the bright destiny and harvest of the work even when the student cannot?

We appreciate all our teachers, past and present. God bless each of you! –Virginia Dutcher

God created each of us different, fully intending that we would use our unique gifts and abilities to do what he created us to do. –Tim Tebow

Sunday School Classes

9:40-10:25 am

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Ebenezer Lutheran Church (ELCA)The VOICE Newsletter2111 - 117th Avenue NELake Stevens, WA 98258

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An Ebenezer Lutheran Church Publication (ELCA): October 2015, Vol. 31, No. 10Phone: 425-334-0421 / FAX: 425-334-2873

Email: ebenezer@ebenezerlakestevens.org / Web Page: www.ebenezerlakestevens.org

JESUS LOVES ...

Remember to post your calendar!REFORMATION SERVICES ~ 8:30 & 10:30 AMREFORMATION DAY POTLUCK ~ 11:30 AM

OCTOBER 25

Sip & PaintSixteen people had a fun time learning how to paint sunflowers on Tuesday, September 22. Fran

Clapper is a great artist and a GREAT teacher. Thank you, Fran, for a wonderful evening. Everyone is looking forward to your next class in January.

In the NewsDid You Know?There are three ways to become a member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church:

1. Letter of transfer - If you are a member of another ELCA congregation, request a letter of transfer be sent from that congregation to Ebenezer.

2. Baptism - If you have not been baptized, we ask that you attend the Adult Membership Class prior to baptism. Baptism brings you into Ebenezer’s congregation with all the privileges and responsibilities of membership.

3. Affirmation of baptism - If you have been baptized in a church of another denomination, you may affirm your baptism and become a member of Ebenezer after participating in the Adult Membership Class. (See page 4 for info.)

Our next new members’ class will begin Sunday, October 25 (see page 4). The class doesn’t compel you to join, but it is a great way to find out more about Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Contact Pastor Benson, 425-334-0421, for more details.

2016 Spring AuctionWe are looking forward to planning our 2016 auction, but WE NEED HELP! We are

a small committee, and it takes many man-hours to put the auction together. If you can give some of your time to help, please do so. The auction has been a very worthwhile project for our church.

You are invited to attend our first planning meeting on Tuesday, October 13, at 11 am in the Fireside Room. We would be grateful for help from fellow members in the following areas: procuring items, putting baskets together, wrapping the baskets, obtaining cakes for the cake derby and centerpieces for the tables, advertising, and setting up/cleaning up.

We could use your help. Interested? Please call Pat Jackson, 425-334-7781.

Into the Family of GodOn Sunday, September 20, Ebenezer welcomed Daniel Hicks into the family of God through Holy Baptism. He is the son of Russel and April Hicks and grandson of Kay

Caulfield. His sponsors are Terra and Chad Kennard. God’s blessings on Daniel and his family.

Plan ahead—it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.